My family and I came to the United States (US) in 1992 as refugees in response to our dire needs fleeing from man-made disasters in our country, Somalia. Long before that we fled to Somalia as refugees from the Somali Regional State (Ogaden Region); in terms of geographical size the largest and second in population amongst Ethiopia’s nine regional states.

In 1991, after the fall of the Mengistu Haile Mariam dictatorship, Ethiopia's current Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, had personally delivered the first speech over the state radio proclaiming that the era of "terror" and "wanton" killing, as well as "suppression and oppression" was over. He added that the EPRDF was not responsible for bringing other peoples under its control by force under a false empire and that they shall be free from now on to chart their future in any way they see fit, including secession.

Where do things stand now in Ethiopia as a whole and particularly in the Somali State after 16 years of EPRDF rule?

The constitutional order is questionable since its provisions are sometimes neglected. While the document presents a rosy picture for the international community, the reality on the ground is less palatable.

Each nationality, according to the constitution is supposed to have wide autonomy along with its own administrative, judicial and legislative branches. In the case of the Somali Regional State, there are political figures that are rarely seen by the public but seem to be the decision makers. Political intimidation and arbitrary decision making are not unknown.

On the other hand, military personnel feed instability in the Regional State by consuming large budgets that could rather go to developmental projects, without which the symptoms of poverty in the region that create turmoil will remain. Social services such as health, education and infrastructure are what the region truly needs.

The federal government is adept at framing conflict and attaching words such as 'terrorism', a convenient label for the government as a method to garner more support from the US and other Western countries. However, it is difficult to avoid a more comprehensive view of the situation.

The absence of security and safety is clear in the present. Right after Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's return from a visit to Mogadishu, Somalia, conflict heightened in Wardheer, Kabredaharre, Dagahbur and Nogob regions.

The Ministry of Information (MoI) is currently in a media struggle with publications such as the New York Times and Chicago Tribune who recently reported the Ethiopian Army had imposed a blockage in the whole area and banned trade activities inter-regionally and with neighbouring countries; the Ministry denies the allegations. However, the reports claim military personnel confiscate trucks or other modes of transportation found moving anywhere and burn food-stocks stockpiled to meet ordinary people's needs during dry seasons.

Consultations with citizens on the handling of events are lacking, especially in Jigjiga, the capital of the Somali Regional State. If the conflict continues as it does, it will threaten the very fabric of society in the region. International press and non-governmental organisations should have an increased presence as neutral observers that provide an important restraint to abuses of power should they occur.

The current tragedy unfolding in the Somali state must have the concerted attention of the US since the Administration and the EPRDF-led government claim to be staunch allies and have strong aid ties. However, the remoteness of the region means the public is not aware of the dire events.

Time and again in history tragedies occurred due to a lack of awareness on the part of the public. It is now or never for the international community to sound the alarm over the situation and put pressure on Ethiopia to act fairly in a troubled region.